Person to Person: 'I’m not a big spender, but I’m a terror in the second-hand shops'

Tell us about yourself;

I grew up on a farm in Co Meath with four boisterous older brothers and a little sister. I fell in love with Cork when I came here to study music in UCC in the late ’90s.

After I graduated, I spent a few years around Kilkenny and Galway, but settled back in Cork, working mostly for various classical music projects and festivals. I ran the public information centre on Patrick Street for Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture, which opened in June that year. Since 2006, I have been lucky enough to manage the beautiful old building at 50, Pope’s Quay, Civic Trust House, on behalf of the arts organisations based there.

Where were you born?

Drogheda.

Where do you live?

On the southside of Cork, within 15 minutes’ walk of the city centre.

Family?

I married a violinmaker and musician (both the same person) and we have three noisy children together.

Best friend?

I have a few really great friends, but couldn’t really single one out. They are all practical, positive and open-minded.

Earliest childhood memory?

The sensation of knobbly bits on a few squares of the patchwork quilt my Aunt Sarah made for my big old pram, where I spent long hours in the garden as a baby.

Person you most admire? Anyone who speaks truth to power and rolls up their sleeves every day to make this a fairer and inhabitable planet for the future. Catherine Connolly, the Galway TD who is making a run for president, comes to mind. I think she represents much of what is best in the Irish, as does of course Michael D Higgins whom I have boundless admiration for.

Person who most irritates you?

Any disgraced person shouldered back onto a pedestal by money and power, you don’t have to look too far to find a few.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Two months spent in a beautiful remote area of South Africa living in a mud hut with no power or plumbing.

Favourite TV programme?

The Simpsons

Favourite radio show?

I listen to a lot of radio, but for sheer bang for the buck it would have to be Callan’s Kicks on RTÉ Radio One.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I’ve my own version of Kedgeree, a smoked fish and rice dish that my granny, who grew up in India, made. With my supermarket version, you can have the ingredients bought and stored for weeks in advance and make it in around 30 minutes when you need a nice meal in a hurry.

Favourite restaurant?

Café Paradiso - I’ve only been a few times, but it was always delicious and inspiring.

Last book you read?

In The Dark by Deborah Moggach. I picked it up randomly from a book exchange on holiday, the only book there in English, and it turned out to be set in a London boarding house during World War I. That was especially interesting since Civic Trust House, where I work, was a boarding house for nearly a century. It gave me an insight into how it might have been run.

It is a great story too and well told - thanks to whoever left it in the phone box in Monchique, Portugal!

Best book you read?

A Short History Of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, it is so cleverly told, fascinating and entertaining.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Dancing The Line from fiddler Ultan O’Brien with Nic Gareiss. I got it yesterday from My Goodness’ stand for Gaza in the English Market. I was at the spellbinding album launch in Coughlan’s earlier in the summer. Nic’s Sean Nós dance loses some of its magic on record, of course, but it’s a beautiful, mad, singular trip.

Favourite song?

TiTi by Interference - they are actually doing a spontaneous gig in Connolly’s of Leap this Friday night with Glen Hansard. It’s been put on at short notice in response to the fantastic reception to the documentary Breaking Out about their late singer and band leader, Fergus O’Farrell, that aired on RTÉ very recently. I’d say the tickets are ready to fly.

One person you would like to see in concert?

Jacob Collier, he’s an incredible singer who also gets the audience singing in beautiful ways.

Do you have a pet?

Clawdia, the family cat. She’s a tabby hunter and wears a humiliating big ruff collar to give the birds and shrews a sporting chance. It also helps to make her more visible while crossing the road.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person.

Your proudest moment?

The first time I gave birth, or shortly after, to be precise!

Spendthrift or saver?

I’m definitely not a big spender, but I’m a terror in the second-hand shops. I often use Cork Freecycle or beg and borrow before putting my hand in my pocket. I prefer spending money where it will do good. I don’t believe in wasting cash on brands and flashy things, and our car is a battered but reliable (touch wood!) 2008 Prius.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Apart from a solution to the housing crisis and ending dereliction, like everyone else? I wish there were more green spaces and less traffic in Cork. The kids and I commute through the city centre each day by bike, and the air in winter is awful, especially for the two with asthma.

What makes you happy?

Singing harmony, ripe fruit, cycling in sunshine, or breakfast in bed from my girls.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a helpful person who was good company.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’ve been obsessed at work for the past few months, researching the history of the 300-year-old house here on Pope’s Quay with the help of researcher Victoria Kingston and many other helpful and knowledgeable people.

The house had several numbers, names and even addresses over that time, so she’s a slippery fish. We’re still hoping for answers from the oldest period, but it has been a fascinating journey through a changing city, which I hope to continue.

I can’t wait to hear what Strive Theatre Company makes from what we’ve found so far and we’ll be showing that to the public on Culture Night Cork City 2025.